Devices, systems and methods for treating the skin

ABSTRACT

According to some embodiments, a method of treating a skin surface of a subject comprises heating a skin surface, abrading native skin tissue of a subject using a microdermabrasion device, wherein using the microdermabrasion device comprises moving the microdermabrasion device relative to the skin surface while simultaneously delivering at least one treatment fluid to the skin surface being treated and cooling the abraded skin surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS & INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/791,157, filed Mar. 15, 2013, theentirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Theentireties of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/346,582, filed Dec.30, 2008 and issued on Jan. 1, 2013 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,343,116, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/392,348, filed Mar. 29, 2006 and issuedon Nov. 1, 2011 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,048,089, are hereby incorporated byreference herein and made a part of the present specification.

BACKGROUND

Field

This application relates generally to skin treatment, and morespecifically, to apparatuses, systems and methods for treating aperson's skin.

Description of the Related Art

Abrasion of the outer layer or epidermis of the skin is desirable tosmooth or blend scars, blemishes, or other skin conditions that may becaused by, for example, acne, sun exposure, and aging. Standardtechniques used to abrade the skin have generally been separated intotwo fields referred to as dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. Bothtechniques remove portions of the epidermis called the stratum corneum,which the body interprets as a mild injury. The body then replaces thelost skin cells, resulting in a new outer layer of skin. Additionally,despite the mild edema and erythema associated with the procedures, theskin looks and feels smoother because of the new outer layer of skin.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, a method of treating a skin surface of asubject comprises heating a skin surface, abrading native skin tissue ofa subject using a microdermabrasion device, wherein using themicrodermabrasion device comprises moving the microdermabrasion devicerelative to the skin surface while simultaneously delivering at leastone treatment fluid to the skin surface being treated and cooling theabraded skin surface.

According to some embodiments, heating and cooling the skin surface isperformed using a thermal conditioning handheld assembly. In oneembodiment, the thermal conditioning handheld assembly is configured tobe selectively heated or cooled conductively (e.g., using at least onethermoelectric device) within a thermal recharging station. In someembodiments, the at least one treatment fluid is delivered to the skinsurface using and through the microdermabrasion device. The methodfurther comprising exposing the skin surface to at least one additionaltreatment (e.g., exposure to a source of energy, such as,radiofrequency, ultrasound, microwave, laser, etc.).

According to some embodiments, a skin surface of a subject comprisingabrading native skin tissue of a subject using a microdermabrasiondevice, wherein using the microdermabrasion device comprises moving themicrodermabrasion device relative to the skin surface whilesimultaneously delivering at least one treatment fluid to the skinsurface being treated and exposing the skin surface to at least oneadditional treatment procedure.

According to some embodiments, the at least one additional treatmentprocedure comprises exposing the skin surface to an energy source. Inone embodiment, the energy source comprises at least one ofradiofrequency, ultrasound, microwave, laser and/or the like. In someembodiments, the at least one additional treatment procedure comprisesdelivering air to the skin surface. In some embodiments, air isdelivered to the skin surface by and through the microdermabrasiondevice. In one embodiment, the at least one additional treatmentprocedure comprises exposing the skin surface to light. In someembodiments, the at least one additional treatment procedure comprisesheating or cooling the skin surface.

According to some embodiments, a microdermabrasion device for treatingskin comprises a handpiece assembly having a distal end and a proximalend. The handpiece assembly includes at least one delivery conduit andat least one waste conduit. The microdermabrasion device additionallycomprises a tip configured to be positioned along the distal end of thehandpiece assembly, wherein the tip is adapted to contact skin surface.According to some embodiments, the microdermabrasion device furtherincludes a flow control device or feature included within the handpieceassembly to regulate the flow of fluids through the delivery conduit. Inseveral embodiments, the tip comprises a lip, a first opening in fluidcommunication with the fluid delivery conduit and a second opening influid communication with the waste conduit. In one embodiment, thedevice includes one or more abrasive elements positioned along a distalend of the tip, wherein the abrasive elements are configured toselectively remove skin as the tip is moved relative to a skin surface.In some embodiments, the first opening, the second opening and theabrasive elements of the tip are positioned within an interior of anouter periphery formed by the lip. In some embodiments, the wasteconduit is in fluid communication with a vacuum source to selectivelyremove debris away from the tip. In one embodiment, the delivery conduitis in fluid communication with the at least one waste conduit and thevacuum source when the lip contacts a skin surface. In some embodiments,the delivery conduit is configured to selectively deliver at least onetime-release material to the skin surface being treated.

According to some embodiments, the flow control device comprises a valve(e.g., a needle valve). In some embodiments, the abrasive elementcomprises a protruding member, a spiral ridge or an abrasive surface. Inother embodiments, the abrasive element comprises an abrasive disc, anabrasive surface and/or any other member that is configured to beseparated from the tip or that is configured to be permanently attachedto the tip. In one embodiment, the tip is removable from the handpieceassembly. In other embodiments, the time-release material comprises aplurality of microcapsules, capsules or other enclosures configured torelease their internal contents at various times following delivery tothe skin surface. In some embodiments, the time-release materialcomprises salicylic acid. In other embodiments, the time-releasematerial comprises one or more other active and/or non-activeingredients (e.g., azelaic acid, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide,topical antibiotics, other anti-acne materials, saline, other dilutantsor fluids, soaps, hardening agents, gels, other binders, lotions,moisturizers, peptides, amino acids, UVA and/or UVB sunblocks, othersunblocking agents, skin tightening agents, hyaluronic acid (HA), otherhydration agents, hair removal or hair growth suppression agents,medicaments and pharmaceuticals, etc.), either alone or in combinationwith one another.

In one embodiment, the time-release material is impregnated along atleast a portion of the tip. In other embodiments, the time-releasematerial is initially contained within a cartridge or other containerthat is in fluid communication with the delivery conduit when thecartridge or other container is secured to the handpiece assembly. Inother embodiments, the time release material is delivered to the tip ofthe handpiece without any prior dilution or premixing. In someembodiments, the handpiece assembly comprises a recess configured toremovably receive a cartridge, wherein an internal content of thecartridge is placed in fluid communication with the delivery conduitwhen the cartridge is secured within the recess of the handpieceassembly. In some embodiments, the cartridge or container comprises amovable piston therein, wherein the movable piston configured to urge aninternal content of the cartridge toward an outlet of the cartridge. Insome embodiments, the cartridge or container comprises an airless pumpdesign or configuration. In one embodiment, the time-release material isconfigured to treat a skin disorder or condition (e.g., acne, oily ordry skin, etc.).

According to certain arrangements, a device for treating a skin surfaceincludes a handpiece assembly having a distal end and a proximal endsuch that the handpiece assembly comprises at least one delivery conduitand at least one waste conduit. The device additionally comprises a tipconfigured to be positioned along the distal end of the handpieceassembly, such that the tip is adapted to contact the skin surface beingtreated. According to certain embodiments, the tip comprises aperipheral lip, a first opening in fluid communication with the fluiddelivery conduit and a second opening in fluid communication with thewaste conduit and an abrasive element or surface positioned along adistal end of the tip, said abrasive element or surface configured toremove skin. In one embodiment, the first opening, the second openingand the abrasive element of the disc are positioned along an interior ofthe peripheral lip. In another arrangement, one or more waste conduitsare configured to be in fluid communication with a vacuum to selectivelyremove debris away from the tip. In other configurations, a deliveryconduit is placed in fluid communication with the waste conduit and thevacuum when the peripheral lip contacts a skin surface. In yet otherembodiments, one or more time-release materials are configured to bedelivered to the skin surface being treated.

In some embodiments, the handpiece assembly comprises a housing having aclamshell design. In one embodiment, a housing of the handpiece assemblycomprises two or more portions that are configured to removably orpermanently attach to each other (e.g., using screws, other fasteners,snap fit or friction fit connections, adhesives, welds and/or any otherconnection method or device). In some embodiments, the two or moreportions of the housing are configured to be manufactured using aninjection molding procedure or any other molding or manufacturingprocess (e.g., compression molding, thermoforming, extrusion, etc.). Inone embodiment, the two portions or more portions of the housingcomprise a plastic, metal, alloy and/or any other synthetic or naturalmaterial.

According to other embodiments, the device additionally includes a valveconfigured to control a flowrate of a fluid being delivered through thefluid delivery conduit to the tip. In another arrangement, the abrasiveelement or structure comprises one or more protruding members, spiralridges and/or abrasive surfaces. In certain embodiments, thetime-release material comprises a plurality of microcapsules or capsulesconfigured to release their internal contents at various times followingdelivery to the skin surface. In one embodiment, the time-releasematerials comprise one or more of the following: peptides, amino acids,UVA and/or UVB sunblocks, other sunblocking agents, skin tighteningagents, hyaluronic acid (HA), other hydration agents, hair removal orhair growth suppression agents, medicaments and pharmaceuticals,combinations thereof and/or any other substance. In other arrangements,time-release materials are impregnated along at least a portion of thetip. In yet other embodiments, the cartridge or other container is influid communication with the handpiece assembly. In certain embodiments,the time-release materials are configured to be released to the skinsurface after contact with water or another dilutant. In otherarrangements, the time-release materials are configured to treat acne oranother skin disorder.

According to certain embodiments of the present application, a handpieceassembly for treating a skin surface comprises a recess configured toreceive a cartridge or other container. The cartridge or other containercomprises one or more treatment materials, such as, for example, humangrowth factors, cytokines, soluble collagen, antioxidants, matrixproteins, serums, salicylic acid, other anti-acne acids and materials,microcapsules, capsules, other time-release products and substances,water (e.g., distilled, tap water, filtered, etc.), saline, otherdilutants or dissolvents, vitamins, chemical exfoliation agents,lotions, soothing agents, brightening or lightening agents, peptides,acids, anesthetics, medicants, other non-active or active compounds,other fluids or materials, combination or mixtures thereof and/or anyother substance. In one embodiment, the handpiece assembly comprises avalve or other flow control device or feature to enable a user toselectively regulate a flowrate of a treatment material through thehandpiece assembly. In other embodiments, the cartridge or othercontainer comprises an inlet configured to be in fluid communicationwith water, saline, another dilutant or dissolvent or another fluid. Thewater, saline, another dilutant or dissolvent or another fluid isconfigured to be delivered through the inlet and to an interior of thecartridge so as to mix or combine with a treatment material containedtherein. In some embodiments, the treatment material contained withinthe cartridge or container is a liquid, solid, gel, granulated materialor concentrated solution. In some embodiments, one or more treatmentfluids are conveyed from an outlet of the cartridge or container to atip attached to a distal end of the handpiece assembly.

According to certain arrangements, treatment materials that are providedto the skin interface during a dermabrasion procedure are configured tobe released or otherwise made available to a user's skin over apre-selected, relatively extended time period. Such time releasematerials can be provided in the form of microcapsules, other capsulesor enclosures and/or the like.

Regardless of the form in which they are provided (e.g., withinmicrocapsules or other enclosures), time-release products or materialscan be delivered to a skin surface directly through a cartridge or othercontainer. Such a cartridge can be positioned within a handpieceassembly, such as, for example, those illustrated herein. Cartridges orother containers containing such time-release materials can be providedin various locations of a handpiece assembly, including, withoutlimitation, a recess of the main portion, underneath or near a removabletip and/or the like. In certain embodiments, a cartridge or othercontainer containing one or more time-release materials is separate fromthe handpiece assembly. For example, such a cartridge or other containercan be placed along a delivery line, which selectively supplies fluidsand/or other materials through the cartridge to a handpiece assembly. Inother arrangements, such as, for example, those illustrated herein,time-release materials can be provided to the handpiece assembly fromone or more upstream containers or other sources via a delivery line. Byway of example, time-release and/or other products and substances can beplaced within one or more containers of a manifold system. Suchmaterials can be subsequently delivered through a handpiece assemblyusing one or more conduits to the skin area being treated.

In yet other arrangements, time-release materials are advantageouslyprovided, either alone or in combination with one or more othersubstances, within a recess, cavity or other opening or a tip or otherportion of a skin treatment system. For example, such recesses can beprovided along a distal surface of the tip, as discussed in greaterdetail herein. In certain embodiments, one or more time-releasematerials are embedded, impregnated, placed, stored and/or otherwisedisposed on one or more surfaces or areas of the tip or other portion orcomponent of the skin treatment system (e.g., foam pads). Suchtime-release materials, which may be provided alone or in combinationwith any other materials, can comprise microcapsules, other capsules,solids, semi-solids, other dried substances, gels, concentratedsolutions and/or the like. In some arrangements, time-release materialsand/or other substances are provided in capsules (e.g., microcapsules),caps, loose form (e.g., positioned on or within a recess, other portionof the tip, within a cartridge or other container, adhered to one ormore surfaces, etc.), as a tablet, pill, disc or other dissolvablesolid, saturated within a foam pad or other sponge-like material and/orthe like.

Regardless of where the time-release materials are positioned relativeto the handpiece assembly (e.g., within a cartridge or other container,within or outside of a handpiece assembly, in a recess or other openingof a tip or other portion of a handpiece assembly, within a foam pad, ona surface of a tip or other portion of a handpiece assembly, etc.),water (e.g., distilled, tap water, filtered, etc.), saline, otherdilutants and/or other fluids can be used to selectively dissolve,liquefy, melt, soften, dilute or otherwise prepare the time-releaseand/or any other materials. Accordingly, the desired salicylic acid,other anti-acne materials, human growth factors, cytokines, solublecollagen, antioxidants, matrix proteins, serums, water, saline, otherdilutants or dissolvents, vitamins, chemical exfoliation agents,lotions, soothing agents, brightening or lightening agents, peptides,amino acids, other acids, anesthetics, UVA and/or UVB sunblocks, othersunblocking agents, skin tightening agents, hyaluronic acid (HA), otherhydration agents, hair removal or hair growth suppression agents,medicaments and pharmaceuticals, other non-active or active compounds,other fluids or materials, combination or mixtures thereof and/or anyother substance can be advantageously provided to the skin surface beingtreated, as desired or required.

According to certain embodiments, time-release materials include one ormore active ingredients that target specific skin conditions or types.For instance, a time-release product used to help control skin acne caninclude salicylic acid. The salicylic acid can be provided alone or incombination with one or more other active and/or non-active ingredients(e.g., azelaic acid, topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topicalantibiotics, other anti-acne materials, saline, other dilutants orfluids, soaps, hardening agents, gels, other binders, lotions,moisturizers, peptides, amino acids, UVA and/or UVB sunblocks, othersunblocking agents, skin tightening agents, hyaluronic acid (HA), otherhydration agents, hair removal or hair growth suppression agents,medicaments and pharmaceuticals, etc.).

Time-release salicylic acid capsules (e.g., microcapsules) and/or anyother active or non-active ingredients included in a skin treatmentmaterial can be encapsulated within a solid binder, such as, forexample, soap or gel. Thus, when water or another fluid is added to thematerial, the treatment material can at least partially dissolve,advantageously releasing capsules onto the skin surface. The capsulescan be configured to release their internal contents at different timeintervals after being deposited on or near a person's skin.

Alternatively, as discussed in greater detail herein, such microcapsulesor other time-release materials can be provided within a cartridge,another container, a recess or other opening and/or the like. Accordingto certain embodiments, the microcapsules or other time-releasematerials are included within a binder or are provided in loose form(e.g., as a solid, within a liquid, gel, other fluid or other medium,etc.). Thus, time-release materials can be selectively delivered to theskin (or be initially present at a tip-skin interface) in one or moredifferent forms. Regardless of the exact manner in which they areprovided to a person's skin, such time-release materials can help targetcertain skin ailments or conditions (e.g., acne, eczema, psoriasis,etc.), conditions (e.g., dry skin, oily skin, etc.) and/or the like.

In some embodiments, microcapsules and/or other time-release productsdelivered to the skin surface are configured to be released or otherwisebecome available to the skin at different times from each other. Forexample, microcapsules can be adapted to release salicylic acid and/orany other active or non-active ingredients contained therein in varioustime intervals (e.g., quarter-hour, half-hour, one-hour, two-hour,three-hour, etc.). Accordingly, the desired materials can be provided toa target skin surface to have an effect on such a surface over a longerperiod of time. This can facilitate a particular treatment procedure byeffectively prolonging the overall treatment time-period. For example,in some embodiments, an acne treatment is more effective if salicylicacid is released over a targeted skin surface during a longer timeperiod (e.g., less than 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8hours, 10 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, more than 48hours, etc.).

In one embodiment, time-release materials are provided to a dermabrasionsystem which is adapted to treat skin having acne or another skincondition. A handpiece assembly having an abrasive distal end, such as,for example, a tip in accordance with any of the arrangementsillustrated or otherwise disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, canbe used to treat a skin surface of a patient. As the tip is moved acrossthe target skin area, exfoliated skin, infected waste and/or othermaterials can be advantageously removed. In addition, the treatmentsystem can be configured to selectively deposit time-release productonto the treated skin before, after and/or contemporaneously with theexfoliation process. As discussed in greater detail herein, thetime-release product can be delivered from a cartridge or othercontainer located either within a handpiece assembly or separate fromit. In some arrangements, water, saline and/or other dilutants arerequired to at least partially dissolve or otherwise release suchsubstances (e.g., from a binder, gel, solid, etc.). Salicylic acidand/or any other materials contained within the time-release product(e.g., microcapsules, other capsules, caps, etc.) and/or other materialsdelivered to the patient's skin can be advantageously released over alonger time-period so as to help prevent or reduce the likelihood ofbacterial infection, pain or discomfort, sensitivity to sunlight orother light sources and/or the like.

According to certain arrangements, time-release capsules or othermaterials containing salicylic acid and/or other skin solutions can beembedded on or near a surface of a tip using a binder. For example,glycerin soap or other base materials or hardening agents can be used tobind the time-release materials. As water, saline or other dilutants orfluids are selectively delivered to the bound materials, time-releasematerials can dissolve, allowing salicylic acid capsules to be releasedto a target area of the skin. In one configuration, the time-releasematerials comprise approximately 30% of the bound mixture by volume,while the soap or other base material and/or hardening agent comprisesthe remaining approximately 70%. In other embodiments, the volumetricratio of time-release materials to base materials and hardening agentscan be greater or less than 3:7, as required or desired (e.g., less thanapproximately 1:9, approximately 1:4, 2:3, 1:1, 3:2, 7:3, 4:1, more thanapproximately 4:1, etc.).

According to certain arrangements, a disc, plate or other member havingdiamonds or any other abrasive element is removably positioned within aninterior region of the tip (e.g., generally between the tip andadjustable distal portion or any other component of the handpieceassembly). Such a disc, which is configured to contact and abrade skinthrough one or more openings of the tip, can be conveniently removed forcleaning, replacement and/or any other purpose

According to other embodiments, a treatment material disposed on or nearthe tip of the handpiece assembly is configured to be mixed or combinedwith water, saline or another fluid being delivered through thehandpiece assembly to create a treatment fluid. In certain embodiments,the treatment material is provided as a solid, semi-solid, gel,granulated material or concentrated fluid or solution. In somearrangements, the treatment material is positioned within a recess ofthe tip, between the tip and a main body portion of the handpieceassembly or within the main body portion of the handpiece assembly. Insome embodiments, water, saline, treatment fluid or other fluid beingconveyed through the handpiece assembly is configured to be heated.

According to certain embodiments of the present application, a devicefor treating a skin surface comprises a handpiece assembly having adistal end and a proximal end. The handpiece assembly comprises at leastone delivery conduit and at least one waste conduit. The handpieceassembly further comprising a recess or other opening configured toreceive a cartridge or other container having an interior cavity. In oneembodiment, the interior cavity of the cartridge is placed in fluidcommunication with the fluid delivery conduit when the cartridge issecured within the recess. The device additionally includes a tippositioned along the distal end of the handpiece assembly, such that thetip is configured to contact the skin surface. In certain embodiments,the tip comprises a peripheral lip, a first opening in fluidcommunication with the fluid delivery conduit and a second opening influid communication with the waste conduit and an abrasive element. Thefirst opening, the second opening and the abrasive element are generallypositioned along an interior of the peripheral lip. In one embodiment,the waste conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with avacuum to selectively remove debris away from the tip. In otherarrangements, the delivery conduit is placed in fluid communication withthe waste conduit and the vacuum when the peripheral lip contacts a skinsurface.

In certain arrangements, the device further includes a valve generallypositioned between the interior cavity of the cartridge and the fluiddelivery conduit. The valve can be adapted to control the flowrate of afluid being conveyed from the interior cavity of the cartridge to thetip. In other embodiments, the handpiece assembly comprises anadjustable intermediate space positioned generally between the interiorcavity of the cartridge and the fluid delivery conduit. In onearrangement, a volume of the adjustable intermediate space can beselectively modified by moving an actuator on the handpiece assembly. Inother configurations, the handpiece assembly comprises a stem in fluidcommunication with the fluid delivery conduit. The stem can be adaptedto extend into the interior cavity of a cartridge when the cartridge ispositioned with the recess of the handpiece assembly. In otherembodiments, the tip is selectively removable from the handpieceassembly. In one arrangement, the abrasive element comprises a pluralityof posts, other protruding members, a spiral-shaped ridge, an abrasivesurface, a foam pad, another type of pad and/or the like. In somearrangements, the device further includes a heating element configuredto selectively heat a fluid being conveyed through the delivery conduit,another interior passage or conduit of the handpiece assembly, the tip,an inlet line and/or the like. In other embodiments, the cartridgecomprises an inlet configured to be placed in fluid communication with adelivery source.

According to other arrangements, a skin treatment system includes ahandpiece assembly having a distal end and a proximal end. The handpieceassembly comprises a fluid delivery conduit. In one embodiment, thehandpiece assembly comprises a first portion and a second portion, withthe first portion being selectively movable relative to the secondportion. The skin treatment system further includes a tip adapted tocontact skin and positioned on the distal end of the handpiece assembly.In one embodiment, the tip comprises a first opening, which is in fluidcommunication with the fluid delivery conduit, and an abrasive element.The system further comprises an intermediate space generally definedbetween the first and second portions of the handpiece assembly.Movement of the first portion with respect to the second portion canmodify the volume of the intermediate space and generally control theflowrate of a fluid being conveyed through the fluid delivery conduit.In some embodiments, the system further includes an actuator on thehandpiece assembly for moving the first portion relative to the secondportion.

According to other embodiments, movement of the first portion withrespect to the second portion is produced by rotating the second portionrelative to the first portion. In some arrangements, the tip isselectively removable from the second portion. In another adaptation,the tip comprises a plurality of posts or protruding members configuredto treat skin. In other arrangements, the tip comprises one or moreridges (e.g., spiral-shaped ridges), abrasive surfaces or elementsand/or other features or components configured to treat skin. In certainembodiments, the handpiece assembly further comprises a waste channel influid communication with a second opening in the tip. In anotherembodiment, the handpiece assembly includes a recessed area configuredto receive a cartridge comprising at least one treatment fluid ormaterial. In other arrangements, the cartridge includes an interiorportion which is at least partially defined by a membrane. The membranecan be configured to be pierced by a hollow spike of the first portionof the handpiece assembly when the cartridge is properly inserted withinthe recessed area, so that the hollow spike is placed in fluidcommunication with the delivery channel. In certain configurations, theinterior portion of the cartridge comprises human growth factors,cytokines, soluble collagen, antioxidants, matrix proteins, serums,salicylic acid, other anti-acne acids and materials, microcapsules,capsules, other time-release products and substances, water (e.g.,distilled, tap water, filtered, etc.), saline, other dilutants ordissolvents, vitamins, chemical exfoliation agents, lotions, soothingagents, brightening or lightening agents, peptides, acids, anesthetics,medicants, other non-active or active compounds, other fluids ormaterials, combination or mixtures thereof and/or any other substance.In other arrangements, the device comprises a heater configured toselectively heat a fluid being conveyed through the fluid deliveryconduit toward the tip.

According to certain embodiments, a method of providing a treatmentfluid to a skin surface while treating said skin surface with ahandpiece device includes providing at least one treatment material onor within a handpiece device. In one arrangement, a tip is configured tobe removably positioned along a distal end of a main body portion of thehandpiece assembly. The tip can be adapted to abrade or otherwise treatskin when moved relative to a skin surface. The treatment methodadditionally includes directing a first fluid through a delivery passageof the handpiece assembly so that said delivery passage generallycontacts at least one treatment material of the tip. In somearrangements, the treatment material is configured to at least partiallydissolve, dilute or combine with the first fluid so as to create adesired treatment fluid. Further, the treatment fluid can be configuredto be provided to the tip and to the skin surface being treated while adistal end of the tip is being translated over said skin surface.

In some arrangements, the treatment material comprises a solid, granularmaterial, gel or concentrated solution and/or any other material. Inother embodiments, the first fluid comprises water (e.g., sterile, tap,distilled, filtered, etc.), saline, other dilutants or dissolventsand/or any other fluid. In other arrangements, the treatment fluidcomprises human growth factors, cytokines, soluble collagen,antioxidants or matrix proteins. In another embodiment, the treatmentmaterial is positioned in or near the tip, such as, for example, withina post, other protruding member, other recess, underneath the tip and/orlike. In other arrangements, the treatment material comprises a disc,tablet, capsule, granular material, gel and/or the like. In oneembodiment, the treatment material is configured to be positioned withina cage or other porous container. In other arrangements, the disc,table, capsule or other treatment material is configured to be securedgenerally between the main body portion and the tip of the handpieceassembly. In one configuration, the method further includes regulating aflowrate of the first fluid by selectively controlling a valve on thehandpiece assembly. In another arrangement, the method additionallyincludes selectively heating the first fluid using a heating memberpositioned in thermal communication with the delivery passage of thehandpiece assembly. In some embodiments, the treatment material ispositioned within a cartridge which is configured to be removablysecured to a receiving area of the handpiece assembly.

According to some embodiments disclosed in the present application, adevice for treating the skin comprises a handpiece assembly having adistal end and a proximal end, a cartridge comprising an interior cavityand a tip on the distal end of the handpiece assembly. The handpieceassembly includes a fluid delivery conduit and a waste conduit. Inaddition, the cartridge is coupled to the handpiece assembly, with theinterior cavity of the cartridge being in fluid communication with thefluid delivery conduit. Further, the tip is configured to contact theskin. The tip comprises a peripheral lip, a first opening in fluidcommunication with the fluid delivery conduit, a second opening in fluidcommunication with the waste conduit and an abrasive element. The firstopening, the second opening and the abrasive element of the tip aregenerally positioned within the peripheral lip.

In some embodiments, the device further comprises a valve positionedbetween the interior cavity of the cartridge and the fluid deliveryconduit. In one embodiment, the handpiece assembly comprises anadjustable intermediate space positioned generally between the interiorcavity of the cartridge and the fluid delivery conduit. In anotherarrangement, a volume of the adjustable intermediate space can beselectively modified by moving an actuator on the handpiece assembly. Inother embodiments, the handpiece assembly comprises a recessed areaconfigured to receive the cartridge.

According to other embodiments, the handpiece assembly comprises a stemthat is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery conduit as thestem is configured to extend into the interior cavity of a cartridgewhen the cartridge is coupled to the handpiece assembly. In anotherembodiment, the tip is selectively removable from the handpieceassembly. In some arrangements, the abrasive element comprises aplurality of protruding members. In other embodiments, the tip comprisesan abrasive edge.

According to another embodiment, a system for treating the skincomprises a handpiece assembly having a distal end and a proximal endand a tip on the distal end of the handpiece assembly configured tocontact the skin. The handpiece assembly includes a fluid deliveryconduit and first and second portions. Further, the tip includes a firstopening in fluid communication with the fluid delivery conduit and anabrasive element. An intermediate space generally defined between thefirst and second portions of the handpiece assembly is in fluidcommunication with the fluid delivery conduit. In one embodiment,movement of the first portion with respect to the second portionmodifies the volume of the intermediate space to control a flowratethrough the fluid delivery conduit. The system further comprises anactuator on the handpiece assembly for actuating movement between thefirst portion and the second portion.

In some embodiments, movement of the first portion with respect to thesecond portion is produced by rotating the second portion relative tothe first portion. In other embodiments, the tip is selectivelyremovable from the second portion. In still other arrangements, the tipcomprises a plurality of protruding members configured to treat skin. Inanother embodiment, the tip comprises an abrasive surface configured totreat skin.

According to some embodiments, the handpiece assembly further comprisesa waste channel in fluid communication with a second opening in the tip.In another arrangement, the handpiece assembly includes a recessed areaconfigured to receive a cartridge comprising at least one treatmentfluid or material. In other embodiments, the cartridge includes aninterior portion at least partially defined by a membrane. The membraneis configured to be pierced by a hollow spike of the first portion ofthe handpiece assembly. Further, the hollow spike is in fluidcommunication with the delivery channel. In one embodiment, the interiorportion of the cartridge comprises human growth factors, cytokines,soluble collagen, antioxidants and/or matrix proteins.

According to other embodiments, the present application discloses amethod for treating the skin of a patient with a skin treatment devicehaving a working end that includes an abrading structure configured toengage and abrade skin. The method includes placing the working end ofthe skin treatment device against the skin of the patient, translatingthe working end over the skin to abrade a skin surface, providing atreatment fluid to the skin through an opening in the working end andaspirating skin debris from the skin surface through an aspirationopening in the working end of the skin treatment device. In someembodiments, the treatment fluid comprises human growth factors,cytokines, soluble collagen, antioxidants and/or matrix proteins.

According to some embodiments disclosed in the present application, adevice for treating the skin comprises a handpiece assembly having adistal end and a proximal end. The handpiece assembly includes a fluiddelivery conduit and a waste conduit. In addition, the handpieceassembly is adapted to receive a cartridge having an interior cavity.Further, the device includes a tip attached to the distal end of thehandpiece assembly and comprising a surface configured to treat skin.The waste conduit is configured to be in fluid communication with avacuum source and the fluid delivery conduit is configured to be influid communication with an interior cavity of a cartridge when acartridge is secured to the handpiece assembly.

In some embodiments, the handpiece assembly comprises a flow controlfeature configured to selectively regulate a flowrate through the fluiddelivery conduit. In another arrangement, the handpiece assemblyincludes a main body portion and an adjustable portion attached to themain body portion. The flow control feature can comprise an adjustableintermediate space generally located between the main body portion andthe adjustable portion. In other embodiments, a volume of the adjustableintermediate space can be selectively modified by moving the main bodyportion relative to the adjustable portion of the handpiece assembly.

In one embodiment, the handpiece assembly comprises a recessed areaconfigured to secure a cartridge. In another arrangement, the handpieceassembly comprises a stem adapted to access an interior cavity of acartridge when a cartridge is secured to the handpiece assembly.According to some embodiments, the tip is selectively removable from thehandpiece assembly. In other embodiments, the tip comprises a pluralityof protruding members configured to treat skin. In still otherarrangements, the tip comprises an abrasive surface configured to treatskin.

According to another embodiment, a system for treating the skin includesa handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly comprises a tip configuredto treat skin, a first portion and a second portion. The first portionincludes a delivery conduit, which has a first longitudinal axis, and isconfigured to be in fluid communication with at least one fluid source.Further, the second portion includes a distal end and a proximal end,with the proximal end being attached to the main body portion and thedistal end being attached to the tip. The second portion includes adelivery channel having a second longitudinal axis and being in fluidcommunication with the tip and the delivery conduit. In addition, thesecond portion further comprises a removal channel being in fluidcommunication with the tip and a suction source. In some embodiments, anintermediate space is generally defined between the first and secondportions of the handpiece assembly. Such an intermediate space is influid communication with the delivery conduit of the first portion andthe delivery channel of the second portion. Further, a volume of theintermediate space is configured to be adjusted by selectively modifyinga separation distance between the first portion and the second portion.Accordingly, a flowrate from a fluid source to the tip can beselectively controlled by modifying the separation distance between thefirst portion and the second portion.

In some embodiments, the separation distance between the first portionand the second portion is modified by rotating the second portionrelative to the first portion. In other arrangements, the firstlongitudinal axis of the delivery conduit is generally offset with thesecond longitudinal axis of the delivery channel. In one embodiment, thetip is selectively removable from the second portion.

According to some embodiments, the tip comprises a plurality ofprotruding members configured to treat skin. In other embodiments, thetip comprises an abrasive surface configured to treat skin. In oneembodiment, the first portion further comprises a waste channel in fluidcommunication with the removal channel of the second portion. In anotherarrangement, the first portion includes a recessed area configured toreceive a cartridge comprising at least one treatment fluid or material.In some embodiments, the cartridge includes an interior portion at leastpartially defined by a membrane which is configured to be pierced by ahollow spike of the first portion of the handpiece assembly. The hollowspike is in fluid communication with the delivery channel. According toother embodiments, the cartridge the interior portion of the cartridgecomprises human growth factors, cytokines, soluble collagen,antioxidants or matrix proteins.

According to other embodiments disclosed in the present application, amethod of treating the skin comprises providing a handpiece assemblycomprising a body and a tip having a distal end. The handpiece assemblyincludes a delivery conduit and a waste conduit that are in fluidcommunication with the distal end of the tip. The method furtherincludes placing the delivery conduit of the handpiece assembly in fluidcommunication with a fluid source for providing at least one treatmentfluid to the distal end of the tip and placing the waste conduit of thehandpiece assembly in fluid communication with a suction source forremoving waste materials from the distal end of the tip. In addition,the method comprises moving the handpiece assembly along a person's skinand activating the suction source to remove a volume of waste materialsfrom the distal end of the tip and to simultaneously deliver a volume ofthe treatment fluid to the distal end of the tip. In one embodiment, theflowrate at which treatment fluids and/or other materials are deliveredto the tip can be varied by a valve or other flow control feature of thehandpiece assembly. In some embodiments, the treatment fluid compriseshuman growth factors, cytokines, soluble collagen, antioxidants, matrixproteins, serums, salicylic acid, other anti-acne acids and materials,microcapsules, capsules, other time-release products and substances,water (e.g., distilled, tap water, filtered, etc.), saline, otherdilutants or dissolvents, vitamins, chemical exfoliation agents,lotions, soothing agents, brightening or lightening agents (e.g., kojicacid), peptides, acids, anesthetics, medicants, other non-active oractive compounds, other fluids or materials, combination or mixturesthereof and/or any other substance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments are disclosed herein having reference to the figuresthat follow.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a handpiece assembly configuredfor use with a skin treatment system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the handpiece assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a handpiece assembly being in fluidcommunication with a fluid delivery system or manifold system accordingto one embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a handpieceassembly of a skin treatment device configured to deliver air to thetip;

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various views of the handpiece assembly of FIG.4;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate two different embodiments of a light wanddevice configured for use with a skin treatment system;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a station for a skin thermal conditioningsystem according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate different views of a thermal conditioninghandheld assembly configured for use with the station of FIG. 7Aaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 8C illustrates a thermal conditioning handheld assembly configuredfor use with the station of FIG. 7A according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a manifoldsystem configured for use in a skin treatment system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a bottleconfigured for placement within the manifold system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates the bottle of FIG. 10 comprising automaticidentifiers according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 12 illustrates a vial configured for placement within a handheldassembly of a skin treatment system according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

General

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a handpiece assembly 100 configuredfor use with a skin treatment system. Although the various embodimentsof a handpiece assembly have specific relevance to a skin treatmentsystem, the features, advantages and other characteristics disclosedherein may have direct or indirect applicability in other applications,such as, for example, medical devices, mechanical devices and/or thelike.

As shown in FIG. 1, a handpiece assembly 100 can include a main bodyportion 110 configured to receive a tip 130 along its distal end 120. Insome embodiments, the tip 130 is removably attached to the distal end ofthe main body portion 110. Alternatively, however, the tip can bepermanently attached to the main body portion 110, as desired orrequired. The tip can include one or more abrasive features, surfacesand/or the like that are configured to selectively abrade skin when thehandpiece assembly 100 is moved relative to a subject's skin. Therefore,the tip can be configured to conduct the microdermabrasion of thetargeted skin surface.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the handpiece assembly 100can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to receive one or morevials or cartridges 200. For example, as shown, the handpiece assemblycan include a recess or other opening into which a vial 200 can beplaced and secured. Such vials or other containers 200 can include oneor more fluids and/or other materials that can be selectively deliveredto the subject's skin surface during use.

In some embodiments, the vial or cartridge 200 comprises one or more ofthe following: human growth factors, cytokines, soluble collagen,antioxidants, matrix proteins, serums, salicylic acid, other anti-acneacids and materials, microcapsules, capsules, other time-releaseproducts and substances (e.g., capsules, microcapsules, etc.), water(e.g., distilled, tap water, filtered, etc.), saline, other dilutants ordissolvents, vitamins, chemical exfoliation agents, lotions, soothingagents, brightening or lightening agents (e.g., kojic acid), numbingagents, peptides, acids, anesthetics (e.g., Lidocaine), medicants, othernon-active or active compounds, other fluids or materials, combinationor mixtures thereof and/or any other substance. Such materials containedin the vial 200 can be selectively delivered to a user's skin while thehandpiece assembly 100 is being used. In some embodiments, the handpieceassembly 100 includes an adjustable valve or other flow control featureto enable a user to regulate the rate of delivery of such fluids orother materials to the treatment surface.

In some embodiments, one or more materials can be strategicallyembedded, impregnated, placed, stored and/or otherwise disposed on oneor more surfaces or areas of the tip or other portion or component ofthe skin treatment system. Such materials can comprise solids,semi-solids, other dried substances, gels, concentrated solutions and/orthe like. For example, such materials can be provided in loose form(e.g., positioned on or within a recess, other portion of the tip,within a cartridge or other container, adhered to one or more surfaces,etc.), as a tablet, capsule, pill, disc or other dissolvable solid,saturated within a foam pad or other sponge-like material and/or thelike. Thus, in certain arrangements, water (e.g., distilled, tap water,filtered, etc.), saline, other dilutants and/or other fluids which aredelivered to the tip can selectively dissolve, liquefy, melt, soften,dilute or otherwise prepare the materials embedded, impregnated and/orotherwise positioned on the tip, within a cartridge or other containerand/or on or within another portion or component of a skin treatmentsystem (e.g., handpiece assembly, fluid line upstream of the handpieceassembly, etc.). Accordingly, the desired human growth factors,cytokines, soluble collagen, antioxidants, matrix proteins, serums,salicylic acid, other anti-acne acids and materials, microcapsules,capsules, other time-release products and substances, peptides, aminoacids, UVA and/or UVB sunblocks, other sunblocking agents, skintightening agents, hyaluronic acid (HA), other hydration agents, hairremoval or hair growth suppression agents, medicaments andpharmaceuticals, water, saline, other dilutants or dissolvents,vitamins, chemical exfoliation agents, lotions, soothing agents, skinbrightening or lightening agents, other acids, anesthetics, medicants,other non-active or active compounds, other fluids or materials,combination or mixtures thereof and/or any other substance can beadvantageously provided to the skin surface being treated, as desired orrequired.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the handpiece assembly 100 can beconnected to a vacuum. For example, the waste conduit 180 of thehandpiece assembly can be placed in fluid communication with a suctionor vacuum source (not shown) in order to remove exfoliated skin, spentfluids, waste materials and/or other substances away from the treatmentsurface. As noted above, the handpiece assembly 100 can be configured toreceive one or more removable tips 130, which may be selected based uponthe specific procedure being performed, the desired result and/or anyother considerations. The distal portion 120 of the handpiece assembly100 can include one or more O-rings 138 or other sealing members toprevent undesirable leaks between the main body portion 110 and the tip130. Additional details regarding removable tips are provided in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/832,663, filed on Jul. 8, 2010 andpublished as U.S. Publ. No. 2011/0082415 on Apr. 7, 2011, the entiretyof which is hereby incorporated by reference herein (see, for exampleand without limitation, FIGS. 5B and 8A through 16B of the referencedapplication).

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the handpiece assembly 100can be configured to receive one or more types of vials or cartridges200. For example, a vial 200 can include, without limitation, a standardor non-standard vial, ampoule or any other container. In someembodiments, serums, salicylic acid, other anti-acne acids andmaterials, microcapsules, capsules, other time-release products andsubstances, other fluids and/or other materials contained within thecartridge 200 can be drawn toward the tip 130 using one or more suctionsources (e.g., the vacuum source configured to remove waste materialsfrom the tip). In other embodiments, the fluids and/or other materialscontained within the cartridge gravity flow toward the tip 130 or areconveyed with the help of a fluid transfer device. The cartridge 200 canbe selectively removed from the handpiece assembly 100 when a desiredvolume or other amount of serum or other material has been delivered tothe tip 130.

In other arrangements, two or more different cartridges 200 can be usedduring a skin treatment procedure. For example, a particular proceduremay require the contents (e.g., serums, salicylic acid, other anti-acneacids and materials, microcapsules, capsules, other time-releaseproducts and substances, proteins, brightening or lightening agents,peptides, other fluids or substances, etc.) of two or more differentcartridges 200. Thus, a user can load and/or unload a combination ofcartridges 200 or other containers within a handpiece assembly 100during a treatment procedure, either at the same time or sequentially(e.g., one after another).

According to some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a vial orcartridge 200 can include an internal piston 210 or other movablemember. In some embodiments, the piston 210 can urge the internalcontents of the vial 200 (e.g., serum, other treatment fluids ormaterials, etc.) toward the distal end of the vial. The use of such anairless pump design can eliminate or reduce the likelihood that air orother gases will interfere with the consistent delivery of such fluidsand/or other materials to the handpiece assembly. Such an airless pumpconfiguration can be used in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

In such embodiments, the internal volume of the cartridge or vialcontaining the fluid and/or other material to be selectively deliveredto the handpiece assembly can be reduced as fluid and/or other materialis expelled from the cartridge. This can help ensure that the internalportion of the cartridge that contains the serum, other liquid and/orother material to be delivered to the handpiece assembly does notinclude air or other gases. Thus, the treatment media can beconsistently and reliably maintained at the distal end of the cartridgeinterior (e.g., toward the cartridge outlet) during a treatmentprocedure, regardless if and how a user tilts or otherwise maneuvers thehandpiece assembly.

The vial or cartridge 200 can include a main cylindrical portion and anozzle portion. In some arrangements, the nozzle portion comprises aseptum, membrane or other member that can be pierced, punctured orotherwise compromised to access the interior contents of the vial 200(e.g., serum, other liquids or materials, etc.). The septum can includeone or more flexible, rigid and/or semi-rigid materials, such as, forexample, rubber, plastic, paper and/or the like.

In some embodiments, a vial or other fluid container 200 can be sized,shaped and otherwise configured to snugly or generally snugly fit withinthe main body portion 110 of the handpiece assembly 100. Therefore, insome arrangements, the vial or cartridge 200 is secured to the handpieceassembly 100 by friction or by the generally tight tolerances of therecess of the handpiece assembly.

As noted above, the waste conduit 180 (e.g., flexible tubing, hose,etc.) to which the handpiece assembly 100 connects is in fluidcommunication with a vacuum or other suction source (e.g., pump, otherfluid transfer device, etc.). Thus, exfoliated skin, spent fluids and/orother waste materials can be transported away from the tip 130 to acanister (not shown) or other waste source. The rate of transfer of suchwaste materials can depend on one or more factors, such as, for example,the setting of the vacuum or suction source, the characteristics (e.g.,diameter, length, smoothness, etc.) of the various conduits or channelsthrough which the waste materials are conveyed, the viscosity, densityand other fluid properties of the waste materials and/or the like.

As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the flow of serums, otherfluids and/or any other materials from a vial or cartridge 200 or othersource through the handpiece assembly 100 can be regulated by the userusing one or more valves or other flow control devices or features.

In some embodiments, a vacuum in fluid communication with the wasteconduit 180 can be configured to remove waste materials from the tip 130and help deliver serums, other fluids and/or any other materials fromthe vial or cartridge 200 to the tip 130. When the tip 130 is positionedagainst the subject's skin, suction created by the vacuum source can betransmitted to one or more fluid channel or conduits of the handpieceassembly 100. Such a suction force created within the correspondingchannels or conduits of the handpiece assembly remains intact as long asthe tip 130 is maintained against or substantially against the subject'sskin. Consequently, the suction force crated by the vacuum source can betransferred to one or more fluid delivery channels of the assembly 100,thereby transferring fluids and/or other materials from the vial orother container toward the tip 130.

In some embodiments, serums, other fluids and/or other materials can bedelivered to the tip 130 (e.g., from a cartridge, an external source,etc.) through one or more peripheral or other non-centrally locatedchannels, conduits and/or other lines or fittings. For instance, in thehandpiece assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, such fluids and/orother materials can be routed through one or more internal channels ofthe assembly and/or waste conduits of the tip. Thus, one or more of thechannels, connectors and/or other hydraulic components may need to bereconfigured to adequately place the non-centrally located deliveryopenings of the tip in fluid communication with corresponding deliverylines of the handpiece assembly 100.

According to certain embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a vial,cartridge or other container 200 is placed in fluid communication with amanifold system 400 that may comprise a plurality of individual fluidconduits 410, 420, 430, 440. In turn, one or more of these fluidconduits 410, 420, 430, 440 can be in fluid communication with aseparate container (not shown). For example, in some embodiments, suchfluid conduits can be in fluid communication with containers of a towersystem (see, e.g., FIGS. 9-11). In the illustrated embodiment, theindividual fluid lines 410, 420, 430, 440 are in fluid communicationwith a main fluid conduit 450, which connects to a nozzle 202 along aproximal end of a vial or other container 200 secured within thehandpiece assembly 100. One or more of the fluid conduits can comprise avalve 412, 422, 432, 442 or other flow control device or feature toselectively regulate the transfer of fluids and/or other materials tothe handpiece assembly 100. In the illustrated arrangement, the manifoldsystem 400 comprises a total of four fluid branches. However, a systemcan comprise more or fewer fluid branches, as desired or required by aparticular application or use.

According to certain embodiments, one or more of the fluid lines fluidconduits of the manifold system illustrated in FIG. 3 are configured toprovide a serum, other treatment fluid and/or the like. Alternatively,however, one or more of the conduits can be configured to receive water(e.g., distilled, tap water, filtered, etc.), saline, other dilutants ordissolvents, other fluids and/or the like to the handpiece assembly 100.As discussed in greater detail herein, such fluids can be adapted tocontact and dissolve, dilute, liquefy, soften and/or otherwise mix withone or more solids, gels and/or other materials positioned within or onvarious surfaces or portions of the handpiece assembly 100 (e.g., tip).This can provide a convenient method of providing one or more materialsat the skin-tip interface and/or any other location where such materialsare desired or required.

As discussed, the vials, cartridges, bottles (e.g., used in towers orother manifold-systems) and/or other fluid sources can include anycombination of serums, salicylic acid, other anti-acne acids andmaterials, microcapsules, capsules, other time-release products andsubstances, human growth factors, cytokines, collagen, brightening orlightening agents, peptides, peeling agents, acids, antioxidants, matrixproteins, saline, water (e.g., distilled, tap water, filtered, etc.)and/or other liquids or substances, as desired or required by aparticular application or use. In certain embodiments, a treatmentprotocol may require the use of one, two or more different cartridgesfor a specific procedure. Thus, vials or cartridges 200 can be removedfrom or inserted into a handpiece assembly prior to or during aparticular procedure. Alternatively, when a manifold system is beingused to supply fluids to the handpiece assembly, one or more valves canbe actuated (e.g., manually or automatically) to enable the desiredfluid and/or other substance to be in fluid communication with thehandpiece assembly.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a cartridge or vial 200 or aseparate bottle contained within a manifold system can advantageouslypermit a user to deliver human growth factors, cytokines, solublecollagen, antioxidants, matrix proteins, serums, salicylic acid, otheranti-acne acids and materials, microcapsules, capsules, othertime-release products and substances, water (e.g., distilled, tap water,filtered, etc.), saline, other dilutants or dissolvents, vitamins,chemical exfoliation agents, lotions, soothing agents, brightening orlightening agents, peptides, peeling agents, acids, anesthetics,medicants, other non-active or active compounds, other fluids ormaterials, combination or mixtures thereof and/or any other substance toa handpiece assembly from one or more external fluid sources. Forexample, in some embodiments, the conduit 450 can be placed in fluidcommunication with one or more containers. Such containers can comprisethe desired serums, salicylic acid, other anti-acne acids and materials,microcapsules, capsules, other time-release products and substances,human growth factors, cytokines, collagen, antioxidants, matrixproteins, brightening or lightening agents, peptides, peeling agents,acids, medicants, other fluids or substances, combinations thereofand/or the like, as desired or required by a particular treatment. Thus,the handpiece assembly 100 (e.g., the vial or container 200 of thehandpiece assembly) can be used as an interface between the handpieceassembly and a relatively larger source of treatment media. For example,a handpiece assembly 100 can be advantageously placed in fluidcommunication with a multi-container system such as the one disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/392,348, filed on Mar. 29, 2006 andpublished on Jul. 5, 2007 as U.S. Publication 2007/0156124, the entiretyof which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

According to certain arrangements, a cartridge 400 includes one or moresolids, granular materials, gels, concentrated fluids and/or othersubstances that are adapted to dissolve, dilute, soften or otherwise mixwhen contacted by water, saline, other dilutants or dissolvents and/orother fluids. Thus, such materials or other substances can be placedwithin the cartridge 400 in one or more forms, such as, for example, aspowder, granular material, a tablet, a capsule, a pill, otherdissolvable solid, a concentrated solution, a gel and/or the like. Inother embodiments, such solids, gels and/or other materials can besituated on the tip or other portion of the system (e.g., within a postor recess, adhered to one or more other exposed or hidden surfaces,within a removable cartridge upstream of the handpiece assembly, etc.),impregnated into a foam pad or other member and/or at any otherlocation. Regardless of their exact composition, location and/or otherdetails, such materials and/or other substances can be configured todissolve, dilute and/or otherwise mix with water, saline and/or otherfluids being conveyed through the handpiece assembly 100.

Improved Fluid Penetration and Other Beneficial Effects DuringProcedures

According to some embodiments, the effectiveness of performing amicrodermabrasion procedure can be improved by the delivery of energy,light or air (or other fluid), the delivery of mechanical energy (e.g.,acoustic energy, needle penetrations, etc.), the transfer of heat (e.g.,to and/or from the skin) and/or the like. This can be conductedconcurrently with a microdermabrasion procedure and/or before or after amicrodermabrasion as desired or required. In some embodiments, forexample, the delivery of energy (e.g., radiofrequency or RF, ultrasound,microwave, etc.), laser, light and/or the like to the skin surface canassist with one or more aspects of the skin treatment process (e.g., itseffectiveness, the final result, etc.), healing and recovery. Forexample, in some embodiments, the application of such ancillarytreatments or modalities can improve skin texture and look. In someembodiments, recovery time following a microdermabrasion procedure canbe reduced. The application of such treatments or items can also assistwith the penetration of the various serums, other liquids and/or othersubstances used in connection with a skin treatment procedure (e.g., viafluid delivery from a vial or manifold to the tip of the handpieceassembly). The application of energy, mechanical disruption, transfer ofheat to or from the skin and/or any other ancillary steps or processescan be used when the microdermabrasion system is being used with orwithout concurrent (e.g., continuous or intermittent) fluid delivery.

In some embodiments, a handpiece assembly and/or another aspect of amicrodermabrasion system is configured to selectively deliver energy,heat (e.g., to or from the skin), air or other fluid, mechanicaldisruption, light and/or the like to the subject's skin. For example, ahandpiece assembly can comprise one or more radiofrequency (RF)electrodes, ultrasound transducers, light, laser or microwave emittersand/or the like. Further, as discussed in greater detail herein withreference to FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, a handpiece assembly can include one ormore lumens or passages that are configured to deliver air or otherfluids (e.g., continuously, intermittently at a particular timefrequency, etc.) to the skin.

In other embodiments, however, the delivery of such energy and/or otheritems is performed using a separate device or system (e.g., a dedicatedenergy emitter unit, etc.).

A. Air or Other Fluid Delivery

In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to provide air or other fluidto the skin surface being treated. The air can be delivered at aparticular flowrate, pressure, intensity, pulsing rate or frequencyand/or time duration to help achieve a particular effect on the skinsurface. For example, air or other fluid can be pulsed onto the skinduring, before and/or after a microdermabrasion procedure to promote andfacilitate the transfer of serums, other liquids and/or other materialsat least partially into the subject's skin tissue after exfoliation. Insome embodiments, air pulsing can comprise square wave pulsing (e.g.,having sequential air delivery and no air delivery phases, one afteranother, etc.).

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a handpiece assembly 100Aconfigured to abrade skin while selectively delivering air (e.g., pulsedair) to the skin surface being treated. As shown, the handpiece assembly100A can include a main body portion 110A and a distal tip 130A alongits distal end 120A. As with other embodiments disclosed herein, the tip130A can include a peripheral lip or ridge 132A that is configured toengage the subject's skin during use. The tip 130A can comprise one ormore skin abrading members, features or portions 136A. Such abradingstructures 136A can comprises one or more shapes, designs and the like.For example, in the depicted arrangement, a total of six abradingmembers 136A are oriented in a generally radial pattern. However, inother embodiments, more or fewer abrading members or structures can beused. Further, such abrading members or structures can vary in type(e.g., posts, abrasive surfaces, ridges, etc.), pattern or layout (e.g.,spiral, circular, oval, irregular, etc.), height or other dimensionsand/or the like, as desired or required.

With continued reference to FIGS. 4 and 5A-5C, the handpiece assembly100A can include one or more passages or conduits that extend to or nearthe tip 130A. For example, as shown, the assembly can include a fluiddelivery passage 122A that selectively delivers serums, other liquidsand/or other substances to the working surface of the assembly (e.g.,from a vial or cartridge secured to the handpiece assembly, from aconduit in fluid communication with a separate tower or manifold systemand/or the like. The assembly can also include a vacuum (e.g., negativepressure) or suction passage 126A that is configured to remove spentserums and/or other fluids, together with abraded skin and other debris,when the system is in use and the vacuum source is activated. Additionalfluid delivery and/or waste conduit and/or openings can be included inan assembly.

In some embodiments, the handpiece assembly 100A can include one or moreair delivery passages 124A that are configured to continuously orintermittently deliver air and/or other fluid to the tip 130A. Asillustrated in FIG. 5C, such an air passage 124A can be located along ornear the radial center of the assembly and can daylight within aninterior lip or ridge 128A along the distal tip. As also shown in thelongitudinal sectional view of FIG. 5C, the diameter of the air deliverypassage 124A can be decreased or otherwise changed at or near the distaltip 130A. For example, such a narrowing in the diameter can help deliverthe air or other fluid at a desired flowrate, velocity and/or pressure.

If, during use, the vacuum source is activated and peripheral lip 132Aof the tip 130A is in contact with the subject's skin, the suctionpassage 126A can create a negative pressure along the distal tip (e.g.,along the interior of the peripheral lip), thereby drawing one or moretreatment serums or fluids to the tip 130A (e.g., via the fluid deliverypassage 122A). Further, in some embodiments, the application of anegative pressure along the tip 130A of the assembly 100A can help drawthe subject's skin in contact with the interior lip or ridge 128A.Consequently, only the region along the tip between the peripheral lip132A and the interior lip 128A may be subjected to the suction createdby the vacuum source. Thus, air can be selectively transferred throughthe air delivery passage 124A of the assembly and onto a subject's skinwithout losing negative pressure along the annular region of the tipdefined by the peripheral and inner lips 132A, 128A. This canadvantageously permit the delivery of air to the skin of the subjectduring a “wet” microdermabrasion process (e.g., one in which treatmentfluids are delivered to the working end of the device).

In some embodiments, air is delivered through the air delivery passage124A in individual puffs. Accordingly, depending on their volume,intensity, pressure and/or other properties, such puffs can help exertan intermittent force along the subject's skin. As noted above, suchmechanical or pneumatic agitation of the skin can provide one or morebenefits. For example, the resulting force or pressure on the skin canhelp drive serums, liquids and/or other substances being delivered tothe tip (e.g., via the fluid delivery passage) deeper into the skintissue. The repetitive agitation created by the air puffs can also helploosen dirt, oils and/or other unwanted materials from the pores alongthe skin surface being treated.

The handpiece assembly 100A can be configured to allow a user to adjustthe manner in which air is delivered through the air delivery passage124 and/or the amount of negative pressure that is applied by the vacuumsource through the suction passage 126A (e.g., or the amount negativepressure that is realized along the tip 130A). In some embodiments, thenegative pressure within the suction passage 126A is sufficiently highto maintain contact between the subject's skin and the peripheral andinner lips 132A, 128A of the tip 130A during use. This can help maintaina steady and consistent flow of treatment fluids to the working surfacewhile a skin surface is exfoliated or otherwise treated. A sufficientlyhigh vacuum along the tip can also help ensure that the lips 132A, 128Awill not lose contact with the skin surface as air is delivered (e.g. inpuffs) to the skin surface.

B. Needles and Other Mechanical Penetration and Agitation

According to some embodiments, one or more needles or other piercingmembers can be used to agitate and/or penetrate certain areas or regionsof the subject's skin, before, during or following a microdermabrasionor other skin treatment procedure. The needles or other penetratingmembers can be moved in and out of adjacent skin tissue over a period oftime. Consequently, a plurality of the small diameter passages can becreated in the targeted skin tissue, at least temporarily. Such passagescan allow serums, other treatment agents and/or other substances thatare delivered or otherwise applied to the skin to be advantageouslycarried deeper into the skin tissue. Additional details regarding theuse of needles in connection with skin treatment procedures are found ina provisional application being filed concurrently herewith and titled,“SKIN TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING NEEDLES,” the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

In other embodiments, one or more ultrasonic transducers can bepositioned relative to the subject's skin before, during and/or after amicrodermabrasion procedure so as to selectively deliver acoustic energyto the skin. In some embodiments, the transducers are configured todeliver a relatively low amount of energy to the subject in order to atleast partially agitate (e.g., mechanically) the targeted skin tissue.The delivery of ultrasonic energy to the skin may, in certaincircumstances, cause the skin tissue to heat.

As with other energy sources disclosed herein, ultrasonic energy can bedelivered by a handpiece assembly that comprises one or moretransducers. However, in other embodiments, a separate device orcomponent is used to deliver a desired amount of ultrasonic energy to ornear the skin tissue.

C. Other Types of Energy Delivery

In other embodiments, the handpiece assembly and/or a separate (e.g.,non-integrated) device or system is configured to selectively deliverenergy to the targeted skin tissue of the subject. For example, thetypes of energy-based modalities that can be directed to the skinsurface include radiofrequency (RF), microwave, ultrasound and/or thelike. As noted above, such energy delivery can be performed before,during and/or after a microdermabrasion or other skin treatmentprocedure. In some embodiments, the application of such energy to theskin can provide one or more anatomical responses and/or benefits. Forexample, if the energy applied to the skin is sufficiently high, theskin tissue can be at least partially heated. Such heating and/or otherphysiological (e.g., biochemical, biological, chemical, etc.) responseor effect can, in some embodiments, facilitate the passage of serumsand/or other treatment fluids at least partially within the skin tissue.

D. Light Treatment

In some embodiments, one or more forms of light can be applied to theskin of the subject, before, during or after a microdermabrasion orother skin treatment procedure. The type of light, its intensity, power,frequency, wavelength, duration of exposure and/or other properties canvary, as desired or required for a particular application or use. Insome embodiments, one or more properties of the light source can bevaried, during a procedure and/or between procedures. In someembodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the light comprises oneor more LEDs or other illumination sources. As with other modalitiesdisclosed herein, the light can be incorporated or attached to ahandpiece that is being used for microdermabrasion. However, in otherembodiments, the light source is separate and distinct from amicrodermabrasion handpiece assembly.

In some embodiments, two or more different types of light sources can beprovided as options for the subject or the user performing a procedureon the subject. For example, with reference back to FIGS. 6A and 6B, oneof the light wands 402 is configured to emit blue light (e.g., lighthaving a wavelength of approximately 475 nm), while another light wand404 is configured to emit red light (e.g., light having a wavelength ofapproximately 650 nm). One or more wands or other light sources can beprovided having other target colors. Any other color or light can beemitted, as desired or required. For example, a single light wand can beselected that is adjustable so to select an exact wavelength of light(in addition to or in lieu of selecting intensity, power and/or anyother properties).

One or more light sources can be incorporated directly or indirectlyinto the handpiece assembly that is configured to performmicrodermabrasion. For example, an annular light can be positioned alongor near (or embedded partially within) the lip at the distal tip of amicrodermabrasion handheld assembly. In other embodiments, the light canbe removably mounted along an outside surface of the assembly.

In some embodiments, the use of light is configured to chemically orbiochemically “activate” one or more treatment fluids and/or othersubstances have been or are being delivered to the skin surface of thesubject. The activation of certain substances can provide one or moretherapeutic or otherwise beneficial results. In other embodiments, theuse of red, blue and/or other light can provide one or more directbenefits to the targeted skin tissue. In some embodiments, for example,red light therapy can be used to complement other skin care treatments,while blue light treatment can improve the general appearance of oilyand/or acne-prone skin.

In some embodiments, light can be used to heat and/or at least partiallymodify or affect (e.g., at the cellular level) skin and adjacent tissueof the subject. For example, heat-producing or heat-inducing lightsource can be directed at the skin for a specific time period, before,during or after a skin treatment procedure (e.g., microdermabrasion).Light sources can include bulbs (e.g., incandescent, fluorescent,low-pressure sodium, high-intensity discharge, etc.), lasers and/or thelike. As discussed in greater detail below, heating of the skin canprovide one or more benefits to the subject. For example, heating ofskin tissue can enable the pores of the subject to open or dilate (e.g.,allowing serums and/or other treatment fluids or substances to penetratedeeper into the skin surface). Heating of the skin can also increaseblood circulation in the adjacent vessels (e.g., to help improve healingand recovery following a treatment procedure).

E. Thermal Treatment

Exposing the skin to hot and/or cold temperature can assist with variousaspects associated with microdermabrasion and other skin treatmenttechniques and procedures. For example, as discussed herein, heatingskin can open the skin's pores, thereby allowing serums, other treatmentfluids or materials and/or the like to enhance penetration and migrationof such materials into the skin. Further, cooling the skin can causepores to close, at least partially, allowing therapeutic fluids and/orother materials that previously entered the pores to stay within theskin for a longer time period.

In some embodiments, one or more devices (e.g., handheld devices) can beused to conductively cool and/or heat skin, before, during and/or aftera skin treatment procedure (e.g., microdermabrasion). One embodiment ofsuch a heating and cooling system is illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B. Asshown, the system can include a thermal docking station 510. In someembodiments, the docking station 510 comprises one or more wells, portsor openings 514, 518 for receiving and thermally recharging thermalconditioning handheld assemblies 600.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the thermal rechargingstation 510 can be in thermal communication with one or more heatingand/or cooling devices (not shown). In some embodiments, one or morethermoelectric devices (e.g., Peltier devices) are positioned along theoutside, the inside and/or within the walls of the station 510. However,any other type of heating and/or cooling device can be used. In someembodiments, thermal conditioning devices are positioned along theexterior surfaces of the docking station walls (e.g., as schematicallyrepresented by circles 530, 532 in FIG. 7A). Regardless of the quantity,type, location, spacing, orientation and/or configuration of the thermalconditioning devices, the devices can be adapted to conductively heat orcool adjacent portions of the station 510, including the wells 514, 518that receive the thermal handpiece assemblies 600.

In some embodiments, the station comprises one or more thermallyconductive materials, such as, for example, aluminum, copper, othermetal or alloys. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, one or more of the wells514, 518 can include a pin, rod or other protruding member 516, 520. Asdiscussed in greater detail below, the thermal conditioning handheldassemblies 600 can include a central opening. In some embodiments, theassemblies 600 are generally hollow along their centerlines.Accordingly, the assemblies 600 can be conveniently mounted or otherwisepositioned on the pins 516, 520 when being placed within the wells 514,518 of the station 510. Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the pins516, 520 can securely maintain the thermal handheld assemblies in agenerally vertical orientation when the assemblies are positioned withinthe station 510 for thermal recharging.

When the thermoelectric devices and/or other heating and/or coolingdevices of the station are activated, the wells of the station can beheated or cooled, in accordance with the desired thermal conditioningeffect of that station 510. In some embodiments, if thermoelectricdevices are used to heat or cool the station 510, an additional station(not shown) can be positioned on the opposite surface of thethermoelectric device so that the additional station also undergoesheating or cooling (e.g., the opposite thermal effect of the mainstation).

One embodiment of a thermal conditioning handheld assembly 600 isillustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B. As shown, the assembly 600 can comprisean inner core 620 and an outer housing or shell 610. In someembodiments, the inner core 620 comprises copper and/or any other highheat transfer material (e.g., beryllium). The copper and/or othermaterial can be coated (e.g., plated) with one or more layers of nickel,chrome and/or the like. The outer housing 610 can include ABS, Nylonand/or any other plastic or other material with a relatively low thermalconductivity (e.g., to avoid excessively or uncomfortably hot or coldtemperatures being felt by a user who grasps and handles the assembly600).

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B and noted above, the thermal handheldassembly 600 can include an interior lumen or opening 628 that extendscompletely or partially through the assembly. The proximal end of theassembly 600 can be placed in fluid communication with a vacuum conduit650, if the assembly will be configured for suction. In sucharrangements, the conduit 650 is placed in fluid communication with avacuum or negative pressure source. In some embodiments, however, theheating or cooling system is configured to be used without suction.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B, handheld assembly 600 cancomprise a distal head 630. In the illustrated embodiment, the head 630comprises a circular or rounded outer shape, having a generally smoothsurface. In some embodiments, the head comprises one or more openings632 that are in fluid communication with the internal lumen or passage628 of the assembly 600. As best illustrated in FIG. 8B, in someembodiments, the head 630 forms a unitary structure with and is part ofthe core 620 of the assembly 600. As such, it advantageously comprisesone or more high heat transfer materials (e.g., copper) that can beheated or cooled relatively quickly when placed within a well of thestation 510.

Another embodiment of a thermal handheld assembly is illustrated in FIG.8C. As shown, the head 630A of this alternative embodiment is relativelylarger than the one illustrated in FIG. 8A. Further, the head 630A isasymmetrical.

Regardless of their exact shape, size, configuration and/or otherproperties, the thermal handheld assemblies 600, 600A can be used toselectively heat or cool a subject's skin surface. As noted above, inone embodiment, the surface to be abraded (e.g., usingmicrodermabrasion) can first be heated to open the skin pores and/orprovide one or more other benefits. With the pores open, amicrodermabrasion process can be performed. Accordingly, any serums,other treatment fluids and/or other substances that are delivered to theworking end of the microdermabrasion device (e.g., along the skinsurface that was previously heated, for example), could pass deeperand/or with greater ease into the open pores of the skin. Following themicrodermabrasion process, the user can use a cold thermal conditioningassembly 600, 600A to cool the skin surface that was treated. As aresult of cooling the skin surface, the pores of the skin can at leastpartially close, thereby trapping the potentially beneficial serumsand/or other components within the skin. Such a treatment method canprovide for a quicker recovery time, fewer complications and/or one ormore other benefits or advantages.

As noted above, in some embodiments, the thermal conditioning handheldassemblies 600, 600A are configured to create a negative pressure orvacuum along the one or more openings 632, 632A at the assembly head630, 630A. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, such openings 632 can be placed influid communication with an inner lumen or passage 628 of the core 620,which in turn, is in fluid communication with a vacuum conduit 650.Thus, the vacuum source can be activated in order to draw the subject'sbody toward, and potentially partially into the opening 632, when thevacuum is activated. Accordingly, the vacuum feature allows a user tomaintain the distal head 630 of the assembly 600 in constant orsubstantially constant contact with the subject's skin during use. Insome embodiments, the vacuum source is pulsed (e.g., using a square wavescheme), creating a pulsing effect at the head 630 of the assembly. Insome embodiments, the pulsing can be helpful when the thermalconditioning handheld assembly 600, 600A is used to heat or coolsensitive portions of the subject's anatomy (e.g., lymph-rich tissues).In some embodiments, assemblies 600A having larger head (e.g., FIG. 8C)can be used to heat or cool larger portions of the body (e.g., back,torso, thighs, etc.).

According to some embodiments, the level of heating or cooling of thethermal assemblies 600 can be adjusted and controlled (e.g., bymodifying the duty cycle of the thermoelectric devices or any otherheating or cooling device that is thermally conditioning the station510). In some embodiments, a thermostat and/or other temperaturedetection is used to ensure that the operating temperature of thestation 510 and the handheld assemblies that the station is configuredto heat do not reach dangerous or uncomfortable extremes.

In other embodiments, a skin surface can be heated or cooled using anyother method or device. For example, skin can be heated using any of theenergy or other modalities discussed herein (e.g., RF, ultrasound,microwave, etc.). In one embodiment, the liquids, serums and/or othertreatment fluids delivered to the tip of a microdermabrasion device(e.g., from a vial or cartridge, a bottle of a manifold or tower system,etc.) can be heated or cooled before it reaches the skin surface.Therefore, one or more heating or cooling devices can be incorporatedinto the microdermabrasion handheld device or the fluid system that iscoupled to the handheld device.

F. Manifold System

According to some embodiments, as discussed above with reference to theschematic of FIG. 3, a handheld assembly can be in fluid communicationwith a fluid manifold system (e.g., as opposed to having a vial or otherfluid container positioned directly into the handheld assembly). Oneembodiment of a manifold assembly 1000 configured to receive multiplebottles or containers 1010 of one or more treatment fluids isillustrated in FIG. 9. As shown, the manifold assembly 1000 can include4 different loading areas, each of which is configured to receive abottle or other container 1010. Once properly secured to the station, abottle 1010 can be placed in fluid communication with a main dischargeconduit 1020 (e.g., via one or more intermediate conduits, not shown inFIG. 9).

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the manifold system can include aswitch 1050 at each station. Therefore, once a bottle 1010 can beenproperly secured to a station, the corresponding switch can be pressedor otherwise manipulated to activate that station. Accordingly, fluidfrom the activated container can be used, and the system can deliver adesired volume or amount of that particular liquid to the handpieceassembly during a skin treatment procedure.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, each station of the manifold system1000 can include a solenoid valve or other flow regulating device 1070that selectively opens or closes to permit fluid from the correspondingbottle or container 1010 from passing to the main discharge conduit1020.

One embodiment of a bottle 1010 configured for placement into themanifold system 1000 is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. As shown, theupper end 1012 of the bottle 1010 can include a nozzle fitting 1014 thatis shaped, sized and otherwise configured to secure to a correspondingcoupling of the manifold system 1000.

G. RFID and Other Identification Features for the Fluid Containers

In some embodiments, the various bottles or other containers 1010positioned within a manifold system 1000 and/or vials or cartridges 1300positioned within a recess of the handheld assembly can comprise anautomatic identification tag 1150A, 1150B, 1350A, 1350B, such as, forexample, a RFID chip, a barcode, etc. Such tags can be used toadvantageously store information regarding the specific bottle, vial orother container. For example, the tag can include information regardingthe contents of the container, expiration date, manufacturing date,size, lot number, skin procedure with which the contents are intended tobe used, other limitations or restrictions on use (e.g.,counter-indications, adverse effects, other fluids with which thecontents should not be combined, etc.).

The RFID chip or other identifier can be read or otherwise detected(e.g., automatically, manually, etc.) by one or more readers ordetectors of a manifold system 1000, a handheld assembly 100 and/or anyother portion of a skin treatment system. For example, in someembodiments, such a reader can be placed at or near each station of amanifold system 1000 (e.g., adjacent the portion of the manifold towhich the nozzle 1014 of the bottle 1010 secures). Accordingly, the RFIDor other type of reader can detect and identify the RFID chip or otheridentifier of the bottle or other container. Likewise, a RFID or othertype of reader can detect and identify the RFID chip or other identifier1350 of a vial 1300 when the vial 1300 is properly positioned within thehandheld assembly.

Therefore, in circumstances where the detected identifier isinconsistent with the proper, safe, appropriate and/or approvedoperation of the system, the system can be configured to prevent fluidfrom that vial or container from being used (e.g., by terminating thevacuum source, by maintaining a solenoid valve or other valve in theclosed position, etc.).

The use of the RFID chips or other identifiers on the bottles, vialsand/or other containers of the system can provide one or more otheradvantages or benefits. The collection of data regarding use of thecorresponding container (e.g., bottle, vial, etc.) can be collected togenerate reports for billing, reordering and/or other purposes. In someembodiments, the number of times that a container can be removed andreinserted within a manifold or handheld assembly can be limited (e.g.,1, 2, 3, 4, etc.), as desired or required. For example, such limits canhelp prevent or reduce the likelihood of contamination of the fluid. Insome embodiments, the automatic identification of the fluid containerbeing secured to the system (e.g., manifold station, handheld assembly,etc.) can allow the system to determine if a rinse, flush and/or otherpreparatory steps are required before the fluid from that container canbe used.

The systems, apparatuses, devices and/or other articles disclosed hereinmay be formed through any suitable means. The various methods andtechniques described above provide a number of ways to carry out theinvention. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily allobjectives or advantages described may be achieved in accordance withany particular embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the methods may be performed in amanner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantagesas taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives oradvantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeabilityof various features from different embodiments disclosed herein.Similarly, the various features and steps discussed above, as well asother known equivalents for each such feature or step, can be mixed andmatched by one of ordinary skill in this art to perform methods inaccordance with principles described herein. Additionally, the methodswhich are described and illustrated herein are not limited to the exactsequence of acts described, nor are they necessarily limited to thepractice of all of the acts set forth. Other sequences of events oracts, or less than all of the events, or simultaneous occurrence of theevents, may be utilized in practicing the embodiments of the invention.

Although the invention has been disclosed in the context of certainembodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in theart that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. Accordingly, it is not intendedthat the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of treating a skin surface of a subject, the method comprising: positioning a distal end of a handpiece assembly along a skin surface of a subject, wherein the distal end comprises a peripheral lip and an interior lip, wherein an annular region is defined between the peripheral lip and the interior lip, wherein the interior lip defines an interior region, the interior region separated from the annular region by the interior lip; wherein positioning the distal end of the handpiece assembly along a skin surface comprises contacting the peripheral lip and the interior lip with the skin surface; activating a vacuum source when the peripheral lip and the interior lip contact the skin surface to create suction within the annular region, wherein the vacuum source is in fluid communication with at least one vacuum port located along the annular region; at least partially abrading skin tissue using at least one abrasive structure positioned within or along the annular region, wherein at least partially abrading skin tissue occurs by moving the handpiece assembly relative to the skin surface when the distal end of the handpiece assembly is positioned along the skin surface and then the vacuum source is activated; delivering a fluid to the annular region via at least one fluid delivery passage, wherein delivering the fluid to the annular region results from the suction within the annular region by activation of the vacuum source; and delivering air to the interior region via an air delivery passage, wherein delivering air to the interior region is configured to occur simultaneously with creating suction within the annular region and delivering a fluid to the annular region; wherein air is delivered in a pulsed manner to the interior region, and wherein air delivery to the interior region facilitates transfer of fluid at least partially into the skin.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one abrasive structure in the annular region comprises at least one of a protruding member and an abrasive surface.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least protruding member comprises at least one of a spiral ridge and a plurality of posts.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the at least one abrasive structure comprises at least one of an abrasive disc, a foam pad with an abrasive surface and an abrasive surface.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one product or material is impregnated, embedded, saturated with or otherwise positioned along the distal end of the handpiece assembly, wherein the at least one product or material is configured to be at least partially dissolved or otherwise released when contacted by a solute.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of an intensity, a pressure, a pulsing rate, a frequency and a duration of pulsed air delivery is configured to be varied.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering air in a pulsed manner comprises square wave pulsing.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein square wave pulsing comprises air delivery phases followed by no air delivery phases.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is conveyed to the annular region via at least one fluid delivery passage is in fluid communication with a vial or cartridge positioned within the handpiece assembly.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is conveyed to the annular region via at least one fluid delivery passage is in fluid communication with a separate tower or manifold system.
 11. A method of treating a skin surface of a subject, the method comprising: positioning a distal end of a handpiece assembly along a skin surface of a subject, wherein the distal end comprises a peripheral lip and an interior lip, wherein an annular region is defined between the peripheral lip and the interior lip, and wherein the interior lip defines an interior region, the interior region separated from the annular region by the interior lip; wherein positioning the distal end of the handpiece assembly along a skin surface comprises contacting the peripheral lip and the interior lip with the skin surface; activating a vacuum source to create suction within the annular region, wherein the vacuum source is in fluid communication with at least one vacuum port located along the annular region; delivering a treatment fluid to the annular region via at least one fluid delivery passage, wherein delivering the treatment fluid to the annular region results from the suction created within the annular region by activation of the vacuum source; and delivering air to the interior region via an air delivery passage; wherein delivering air to the interior region facilitates the transfer of fluid at least partially into the skin.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein air is delivered in a pulsed manner via the air delivery passage to the interior region.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising at least partially abrading skin tissue using at least one abrasive structure positioned within or along the annular region, wherein at least partially abrading skin tissue occurs by moving the handpiece assembly relative to the skin surface when the distal end of the handpiece assembly is positioned along the skin surface and then the vacuum source is activated.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one abrasive structure comprises at least one of a protruding member and an abrasive surface.
 15. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one product or material is impregnated, embedded, saturated with or otherwise positioned along the distal end of the handpiece assembly, wherein the at least one product or material is configured to be at least partially dissolved or otherwise released when contacted by a solute.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one product or material is located along a tip, the tip being removably positioned along the distal end of the handpiece assembly. 